Mining machine



`Feb.` 6, 1945.

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F. B. MIILLER MINING IACHIHE Filed nay a, 1942 12 Shoets'hoet 4 F. B. MILLER MINING MACHINE Feb. 6, 1945.

Filed May s, 1942 12 sheets-snaai 5 Fg. 1o.

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Feb. 6, '1945. F, B M|LLTER 2,368,863

MINING MACHINE piled-nay 8. 1942 12 snets-sheet 6 Sv SNR@ swf@ H Mlv,

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I jlli IIIJ KP |51 In Feb. 6, 1945. F.B. MILLER 2,368,863

MINING MACHINE Filed May s, 1942 12 sheets-,sheet 9 /Nz/EN-rae:

F. B. MILLER MINING MACHINE Feb. 6, 1945.

` Filed May e; 1942 Feb. 6, 1945; F. B. MILLER 'MINING MACHINEl F1ed l|ay 8, 1942 12 snees-sh'eet 11 Feb. 6, 1945. F. B. MILLER 2,368,863

' MINING MACHINE n Filed May s, 1942 H 12 sheets-snaai 12 Mme-Nros:

Patented Feb. 6, 1945 ApplicationMay 8, 1942, Serial No. 442,165

sz claims.. (o1. acc- 9)A This invention relates to a machine adapted to undercut coal, wedge down the coal undercut, loadthe coal cuttings from the undercut and the coal wed-ged down over the undercut.

One object of this invention is to provide a Figure l'is a system of mining. showing the oplerating 'position of `a plurality of machines' in entries, rooms, splits and covers'.

machine that is capable of operation in comparatively low seam.

Another object is to provide a machine of comf paratively narrow width, caipable of operation for mining entries, rooms, splits and cutovers of comparatively narrow width, thereby attaining relatively narrow roof span that is lself sustaining.

Another'object is to provide a machine capable of being positioned for operationat any angle across acomparatively narrow entry, the width of which is restricted by physical conditions restricting'the roof span.

Another object is to provide a machine having a novel rotary cutter bar capable of cutting a kerf in the'coal which ser'vesas a backing to resist lifting of the foreward end of the machine by the forces exerted undercutting and wedging down the coal. l

Another object is to provide a machine with adjustable Ashoes bearing against the vertical solid sides of the parallel recesses cut in the coal adjacent tosides of the Ymachine by a'novel rotary Another object is to .provide a machine with a novel screw conveyor mounted to rear of a -novel rotary cutter bar for crowding the coal cuttings onto a belt conveyor.

Another object is to provide a. machine of this class with a plurality of wedge `barsior operation in, conjunction with a novel rotary cutter bar capable of wedging down coal in such uniform size that can be conveyed 'through the machine on a comparatively narrow extensible conveyor discharging onto 'a comparatively narrow loading conveyor extending alongside of an entry and cars for loading a succession of cars.

A further object is Ato provide a machine that is capable of" operation in entries, rooms,'splits and cutovers without the use of track.

A still further object is to provide a plurality of machines of this class, capable of co-ordination to carry o ut lva systei of mining whereby continuous operation is attained to complete a cycle that does not require removal of the ma- .chines from their respective working faces. e

These and other objects will'be apparent after [referring to the 4accompanying drawings,l in

which:

. Figure 2, is a plan view of an area of coal showing the machine.` in a split at right angle to a room in which a loading conveyor is positioned for receiving coal from the machine conveyed by the extensible conveyor. l

Figure 3 is a side elevation showin'gthe mal chine positionedacross a room on a truckin state of operation.

Figure 4 is a side elevation showing a jack and a telescopio anchor bar for anchoring the machine in advanced position. I

Figure 5.is a similar View showing the skid base advanced by the machine. i

e Figure 6 is a similar view showing an anchored chain attached to the machine for accomplish- .ing a succession of backward movements of the skid base on whichthe n lachine is retracted to. position on truck. .1'

' Figure 'T is a side elevation showing sible conveyor driven by tandem pulleys mounted on the truck and extending from the loading conveyor.

Figure 8 is a similar view of the extensible conveyorcontinuing irom line X--X to the machine in advanced position.

-cutter bar for holding and guiding the machine in path of the-coal tobe mined.

' XIv-xrv of Figure 13.. A

Figure 9 is a plan view showing` track and cross rails between which a bearing plate is centrally seated.

Figure l0 is a side elevation -showirgthe ma- .chine mounted on a truck and a. hydraulic .jack with -pist'on partially extended and seated in the bearing plateonwhich the truck is turnedfor ralment on the cross rails.

Figure 11 is a plan view of the'machine used in carrying out the system of mining shown in Figure 1.- 'I

Figure 12 is a side elevation of the machine taken on the line m-XII of Figure 11-.

Figure 13 for driving the rotary cutter bar'.

Figure 14 is a side elevation taken on line Figure 15 is a sectional elevation taken on line XV-XV of Figure 13.

Figure 16 is an enlarged showing the top sideof the rotary cutter bal.' housing Ibearing against the coal undercut. Figure 17 is an enlarged sectional elevation an extenis a'fragmentary'enlargedA plan showing the rotary cutter bar and cutter chain sectional elevation taken on line XVI-XVI of Figure 11 showing the screw conveyor in relation to the rotary cutter, bar and tail efnd of the extensible conveyor, also teken on `une xvn-Xvn of Figure 11 snowing' the platform shrouding the coal mined by the rotary cutter Ibar, also showing coal mined by the wedge lbars resting on the platform in state vof beingcrowded from the platform by reason of the platform entering a successive korf.

Figure 18 is` an enlarged transverse sectional elevation taken on line XVIII-XVIII of Figure l1 showing the feeder plateI in relation to the.

receiving end of the extensible conveyor.

Figure 19 is an enlarged transverse sectional with a. rack 24 integral with the skid base 25. The rack pinion 23 is adapted to be driven in reverse direction by lthe poter driveY of the machine (not shown). The skid base 25 positioned across a room or entry on the truck III is con- Y nected to an expansion Ebolt 26 anchored in solid elevation taken on line XIX-XIX of Figure 11 showing adjustable shoes bearing against solid vertical sides of parallel recesses cut in the coal.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a plurality of mining machines A"(to be described) are arranged tocarry out a-'system of mining having an air intake entry B from which a succession of rooms C are extended to an air re- `turn entry D providing pillars E. From the end of the pillars E cutovers F are mined in step on a rib line G at an angle to the room C.' Portion of pillars E adjacent tothe entries B and distance between successive room centers, extend the mining of a successive room C, extend the mining of the air -return entry D and mine a succession of cutovers F across end of a successive pillar E from a point adjacent the"air `intake entry D'to a point adjacent the air intake B thereby completing one of 'a series of lmining cycles.

distant from @the truck in same pl ne' with a to oneend;`

pulley I3. Idler pulley I2 is connecte oi' a cable I4, the otheaend of which s connected to a constant torque reel I5 to pull the cable I4 away from pulley I3 under constant tension thereby formingl a yieldable retractable anchor foridler pulley I2. A single endless conveyor belt I6 is trained'over the pulleys I2 and I3, tandem drve pulleys I I and through telescopically arranged troughs I1 extending between the truck .In and the puuey I3 meunted'1n`the machine` through which the conveyor belt I6 travels. the coal is mined, the machine .loads the coal onto the extensible' conveyor which in turn conveys and delivers the coal lonto a loading conl veyor I8 and this last named conveyor delivers 20 trained ovenan anchored sheave 2l and adapted to wrap on a power driven drum 22 mounted on `the truck I0 for moving cars when being loaded. 'i

l In carrying out that. part of the system of mining pertaining'to the means for advancing and coal'for anchoring the skid base 25 on which the machine is advanced in the coal from position on the truck I0 -as shown in Figure 3. When the machine is in advancedv position, one end of a telescopic anchor 'bar is connected with the'skid base 25, the other end of which is connected tothe expansion bolt 26. The telescopic anchor bar comprising an inner bar 21 and a tubular bar 28 provided with holes 2 9 respectively adapted to be registeredwith the holes 30 in the inner bar 21 to receive a removable pin 3| which serves to lock the bars against tele- 'scoping movement. The tubular bar 28 is provided 'with lugs 32 in which are holes 33 to receive the pin 34 for locking or securing the tu-v bular bar tothe jack 35 as shown in Figure 4. When the machine has reached its forward limit of .travel on the skid base 25, the strut 36 Is mounted between a pair of spaced lugs 3 1 provided at rear end of the main frame 50 and the lug 38 on the tubular bar 28. With the pin 3I removed, the pinion 2 3 is operated `in reverse direction to pull the skid base 25 and the inner bar 21 forwardly as shown in Figure 5. Afterv the skid b'ase 25 and inner bar 21 are advanced,

the strut 36 will be removed and the tubular bar 26 released from the jack 35 and advanced until the holes 29 and 30 againregister. Aseoond Jack 33' will be previously placed in advance of the iirst jack 3 5 for locking the tubular bar 28. The machine having` advanced a predetermined distance from the truck I0 as described. the `main frame 50 is connected to the chain 40 anchored in solid coal bythe expansion bolt 26. With the chain 4II holding the main frame 50 against forward movement, the skid base 25 is moved toward the truck I Il by operation of the pinion 23 after which the main frame 50 ls rnoved toward the truck I0 by' operation of the pinion 23 inl reverse direction. With the slack in the chain 4D taken up, the main frame 50 again is anchored for movement ofthe skid base 25 toward the truck. A succession of movements of the skid base 25 and main frame 5I) ret acts the hine to position on the truck I0 as hown in In carrying out that part .of the system ofminingpertaining to the means fonturning the machine A in rooms 4C or, entries B for operation -at right angle to same, comprises a hydraulic jackhaving a cylinder 4I fixed 'to' bottom side ci? the truck Il). The piston 42 extending from' cylinder 4I is -pivotally seated on the bearing.

plate 43 centrally seated betweerrrails 44 and cross rails 45. `The Apiston 42 isffurther extended by forcing uid in the cylinder 4I which lifts the l. truck I0 sufliciently to clearthe anges of the the coal into the cars I9 attached to a cable retracting the machine A, it is slidably'mounted. on an anchored skid base'similar to that shown and described in my prior United States Letters f wheels for turning the truck with machine positioned on same for railment on cross rails 45.

. 'I'he machine A used in carrying out the system' base 25. Forward to the main portion of the mainframe is a portion in form of a base 41,

Patent -N0. 1,766,395r dated June 24, 1930. The

macnme'is provided with 'a rack pinion .23 mashed.

in which a feeder plate 48 is reciprocally mounted for conveying or feeding the mined coal across the machine onto the single endless belt I6 of the extensible conveyor described. Integral with the feeder plate 48 is a pair Aof spaced lugs 49l Pressure exerted by the spring 54 holds the roller` in contact with the cam 56 integral with the shaft 51 journaled inthe main frame .50 Afor rotation by source of power (not shown) whereby the cam is actuated impartingforward movement to the feeder plate 48 and compression to the spring.

Comparable to the forward movement, a. faster backward movement of the feeder plate 48 is effected by the spring 54 maintaining the roller 5| in contact vwith that portion of the cam 56 which is shaped to provide a comparable faster backward movement. Top side of the feeder plate 48- is provided'withjriangular bars 58, the in clining top' sides 59 slip under the coal by reason of the rapidity of backward movement of the feeder plate, while the vertical sides 60 of the triangular bars push the coal toward and onto the endless belt |6 (described.)

The forward end of the base I41 terminates in l an inclined portion 6| from which extends a platform consisting of a web 62 bfetween Aribs 63 extending from the main portion ofthe main' frame 56. A cutter chain 14 in a plane parallelV side of the main frame 50 trained over sprockets 'it and '52drives the rotary cutter bar adapted to undercut and'form a kerf in the coal to be mined. The forward side of the housings 64 and 65 are formed to provide wedges 15 and 16. Adjacent to the sides of the wedge 16 are bits 61 endet. The bit 88 is adapted to cut a recess in the coal with a side face '11 in a plane 'parallel to the side of the main frame 50 opposite to cutter chain lli., Adjacent to the sides of the wedge 15 is a bit j S9 and a cutter chain 14 carrying teeth 18. The fcutter' chain teeth 18 are adapted to cut a recess in the coal with a side face 19 in .a plane parallel to the side of the main frame 50. Adjustable shoes 8E secured to backward underside of the main frame 50 by adjusting bolts 8| are adapted to bear 'against the solid side faces 11 and 19 of the recesses cut by the'bit 69 and cutter chain teeth 18 for guiding and holding the machine in `alignment. To the rear -of the rotary cutter bar, integral with the underside of the inclined portion 6| is a. senil-circular trough 82 with an open side towardl the rotary cutter bar. lConcentric within the trough 82 is' a conveyor screw comprising a screw 83 integral with the periphery of a shaft 84 journaled in the ribs 85 integral with,

the main frame`50. Adjacent and parallel to thev shaft 84 is'a shaft 86 journaled in the ribs 85 on cut away the coal adjacent the Wedge 15.

guide members 98 and 94 are pivotally mounted at their backward ends on the shaft 9|. i Quadrant gear 95 keyed to the shaft 92 is meshed with quadrant' gear 96 mounted-radial from the shaft 9| and integral with the guide members 93 and 94 so thatrotation of the shaft 92 (by source of power notshown) will cause a swinging movement to the carriage guide members about the shaft 9 I. Guide members 93 and 94 are provided with bearing portions 91'and 98 respectively, on

'which ram bars 99 and |00 forming the` sides-of the carriage are slidably mounted. .The ram bars 99 and |00 are tied together to complete the carriage by a base plate 0| and cross member |02. The rambars 9 9 and |00 are adapted to reciprocate on the'bearing portions-91 and 98, and are provided with rack portions |03 meshed with rack pinions lod, keyed to the shaft 9| which is ypower driven in reversible directions' (source of power not shown). A plurality of staggered wedge bars '|05, l|06 and |0'| are arranged parallelin a horizontal plane on the tilting land reciprocating carriage.

The wedge bars |05, |06, andv |01 are integral with a cross member |08 secured' tothat portion of thev carriage baseplate I0| extending beyond the ends of the ram bars 99 and |00. Theoutward sides |09 and H0 of the side Wedge bars |05 taper inwardly from forward end. Top sides of the wedge bars |05', |06, andv |01 are fiat and in` the same plane the carriage reciprocates or is rammed forward, vwith at bottom sides ||2 and H3 tapering downward `in relation to top sides. Wedge bars |01 with a flat top side are recessed or staggeredin relation to wedge bars |05 and |06. `The nat top side of Wedge bars |01 in same plane as the flat top side of wedges |05 and |06, with' flat `bottom side H3, tapering downward in relation to the flat top side.

In operation, themain vframe is fed forward `engaging therotary cutter bar bits 61, 68, 69 andl 1|), wedge portions 15 and 16 of the cutter bar housings 64 and 65 and the cutter chainJ teeth 78 with-the coal to be mined. The bits 6"!- and 68"cu't away the coal adjacentthe wedge 155, while the bit 61 and cutter 'chain teeth 18' The wedges 15 and.'16 penetrate and crowd the coal f at the forward sideof the housings 64 and 65 into the=kerfs vcut adjacent tQ the wedges, which coal isibrushed rearward by the bits 61, 68 and 69 and the cutter chain teeth 18 thereby providing space for advancing the housings.' Cuttings in which the screw 8 3 is concentrically mounted for cross conveying and packing the cuttings against that portion ofthe b`elt I6 backed by the which the pulley 3 is keyed. Fixed to the shaftV 8 6 is a gear 81 meshed with a gear. 88 xed to the shaft 84'driven by the endless belt I6 trained over the pulley I3 (described) imparting rotation to the conveyor screw.- A

A pair of spaced upright supporting bracketsv or bearings 89 and 90 are mounted on the main frame 50 anda pair ofhorizontal shafts 19| and 92 are journaled therein. A pair of carriage pulley I3 over which the belt is trained to facilitate the removal of the cuttings on the extensible conveyor described. Y v

Mounted on the main frame-50. is a carriage' carrying a plurality of wedge bars |05,|06, and

|01 geared for Vrecip'rocatory movementv and ver tical swinging movement. The forward m'ove coal face undercut during the preceding-period vrequired to wedge oif successive portions of coal l y to a predetermined height. C oal wedged from v the coal face above the kerf cut by the rotary cutter bar falls to the platform. By reason of the platform entering the successive kerf being g and the endless conveyer belt I6. Successive' 10? portions of coal wedged from the coal face above f that portion wedged from the coal face over `thv` kerf ows to the feeder plate 48 and to the endless conveyor belt IG by reason of gravity. The

coal that is crowded and flowson the feeder 15 plate 48 described is-fed onto the endless conveyor belt described. Top sides H4 and H5 of -the housing `64 and 65 bear against the top side of the undercut which provides backing at the forwardend of the main frame 50 for resisting 20 the pWard force exerted bythe rotary cutter bar undercutting the c'oal'and the upward force exerted driving the wedge bars into the coal. Adjustable shoes 80, secured to backward underside of the main frame 50 bear against the solid 25 side faces 11 and 19 of the recesses cutin the coal by the bit 68 and cutter chain teeth 18. The adjustable shoes 80 backed by the solid side faces -11 and 19 serve'to hold the wedge portions 15 and 16 of the cutter bar housings 64 and 65 in 80 proper alignment for guiding the machine in path of the coal to be mined when fed forward on the skid base 25. The solid side faces 11 and 19 againstwhich the adjustableshoes 80 bear also provides backing for resisting vside force. 35

exerted to either side at times the `pressure exerted by the carriage on wedge bars |05, m6,'

and |01 is not7 uniform due to impurities in the coal or irregularpenetration of the Wedge bars in the coal.v 40

A machine as described above is particularly adapted for carrying out a system of mining described in the forepartl of this specification, whereby the coal is mined from a face'in open end cutovers across end of pillars to be worked, )45

by undercutting, wedging down the undercut coal and simultaneously loadingjthe mined coal. Iclaiml f.

1. In a miningmachine .having a main frame,

at least two housings extending from said main 60 frame, a shaft journaled in'said housings, a Wedge at forward end of each of said housings, teeth projecting radially from said shaft adjacent said wedges, -as'procket fixed to said shaft adjacent to side of atleast one of said housings, 65

a drives'procket journaled in said main frame in" alignment with. said sprocket filled, to said shaft, ,a chain lcarrying lbitstrained over said sprocket xed to said shaft andv said drive sprocketlfor rotating said shaft, means for 'mov- "00 ing said housings forwardly toI force said wedges and said teeth and said bits aaginsi-the material to ybe mined, said bits being adapted to cut I .a kerf in the material to be mined lin path of for guiding said wedges in path of the material to be mined and means for disposing the material mined.

2. In a mining machine having amain frame slidably mounted on a skid base with means for anchoring said skid base, a rotary cutter bar journaled in'forward end of said main frame, means forv rotating said' rotary cutter bar, means for moving said main frame forwardly on said skid baseto force said rotary cutter bar against the material to be mined, said rotary `cutter bar being -adapted to cut a kerf in the material to be mined'. forward portion of said main frame being adapted to enter said ker'f,sides of said kerf providing backing for resisting the reactive force exerted )by said rotary cutter bar to cut said kerf, means for`y guiding said main frame in path of the material to be mined, means for disposing the material. to be mined by said rotary cutter bar comprising a platform ontop s ide of said forward portion of said main frame to rear of said rotary cutter bar, a conveyor screw trough in said main frame to rear of said platform, a conveyorA screw journaled for rotation in said conveyor screw trough, a pulley mounted in said main frame adjacent to end of said conveyor screw with face of said pulleyv adjacent to rear end of said platform, langendless conveyor belt being adapted to be trained over said pulley, said platform being adapted to shroud the material mined by said roed to feed the material shrouded by said platform in path of said conveyor rew to-path of said endless conveyor belt, said e said endless conveyor belt.

3. Ina mining machine having a main frame slidably mounted on a skid base with means for anchoring said skid base, a carriage mounted for vertica1 swinging movement relativeto said main frame, a plurality of wedge bars mounted on said ter bar being adapted to cut a kerf in the material to be mined, means for'moving said carriage forwardly under pressure for driving said wedge bars into the material to be mined, forward portion of said main frame being adapted to enter said kerf, sides of said forward portion of said main frame being adapted to bear against sides of said kerf, sides of lsaid kerf providing backing for resisting-the reactive force exerted by said rotary cutter bar and the' reactive force `exerted by said carriage driving said wedge bars into the material to be mined .above said kerf, means for disposing the materialmned byA said rotary cutwedged down b y said wedge bars above said kerf comprising a platform on top side of saidforward cutter bar, a base in said. main frame to rear of said chain-,"said teeth adjacent said wedges being liA Saidplatform. 8L pulley 'mounted in. said Vmain said wedges -being adapted to simultaneously crowd the material at forward'side of said housings in the kerf mined by said teeth and said'70 bits providing a ker`f inthe material to brnined in path of said housings, sides o f said housings parallel to said. shaft enter land against sides of said kerf thereby resisting {thereaitive r force exerted by said bits and said teeth, means `cutl a successive kerf, said material to be mined frame adjacent to-end of said base with .face of said pulley adjacent to rear end of said-platform, an l endless. conveyor belt being adapted to be trained over saidpulley, a feeder plate mounted in said base for j reciprocatory movement, said platform being adapted to enter said kerf, said wedge bars being adapted to wedge down the ma terialto be mined over said platform onto said platformfsaid rotary cutter bar being adapted to tary cutter bar, said conveyor screw being Yadapty ess conveyor belt being adapted to dispose said material in path o ter bar and means for disposing the-material v .-portion of said main frame to rear of said rotary ascases adjacent to said platform adapted t provide backing for the material resting on said platform,

sive kerf thereby simultaneously crowding the material resting on said platform from said platform onto said endless conveyor and said feeder plate, said feeder plate being adapted to feed onto said endless conveyor belt the material crowded on said feeder plate. s

4. In a mining machine having `a main frame, at least two housings extending from said main frame, a shaft journaled in said housings, awedge at forward end of 'each of said housings, teeth extending from said shaft adjacent said wedges, means for rotating said shaft and means for mov- .said platform being adapted to enter said succeslogiadapted to engage the' material to be mined in ,pathV of said housings, a shaft journaled in said housings, teeth extending from said shaft adja cent said housingsl means for rotating 'said shaft and means for moving said housingsforwardly to force said teeth andA said forward end of each,

ingv said housings .forwardly to force said teeth and said wedges against the materiaLto be mined,

said teeth and said wedges being adapted to cut a kerf in the material to be mined, said housings being adapted to enter and bear against sidesv of said kerf thereby providing backing for'V resisting the reactive force exerted by said teeth and said wedges. A I

5. In a mining machine having a main frame with a carriage mounted on said main frame for vertical swinging movement relative to said main frame, at least two housings extending from said main frame, a wedgeat-forward end of each of said housings, a shaft journaled insaid housings, teeth projecting radially from said shaft adjacent said wedges, means for Irotatingssaid shaft Y and means for moving said main frame forwardly of' said housings against the material to be A 29 being adapted to crowd the material to be mined the material to be mined above said kerf, saidA housings being adapted to enter and bear against at least one vside of said kerf for resisting the reactive. force exerted by said wedge bars. A

9. In a mining-machine having a main frame,

,30 at least two housings extending from said main wedges and said cutter bar against the material mined, said housings being adapted to enter said kerf, a plurality of wedge bars mounted on said carriage, means for moving said carriage forwardly for driving said wedge bars into the material to be mined above said kerf, said housings frame, a wedge at forward end of Vveach of said housings, a cutter bar vjournaled in said housings, means for'rotating said )cultr bar and means for'moving said housings fo rdly to force said to be mined, said cutter barand said wedges be# ing adaptedv to provide a kerf in the material to ,be mined,vsaid housings beingadapted-to enter and bear vagainst at least one side of said kerf -40 for resisting the reactive force, exerted by said v cutter bar.

1l). In a mining machine having a main frame, at least two housings extendingv from said main frame, -a shaft journaled in said housings, a

wedge at forward end of each of said housings,

' of which are teeth adjacent to said wedges,

means for rotating said shaft .and means 4for moving said main frame on said skid base to force said wedges and said plurality of teeth againstthe material to be mined, saidV teeth adjacent to Asaid wedges ,being adapted to cut a kerf in the material to be mined adjacent to said wedges, said wedges being adapted to crowd the material to be mined at forward end' of said housings into said kerf thereby removing the material to he mined in path of said housings.

at least two housings extending from said main teeth extending from said shaft adjacent said wedges, a sprocket xed to said shaft adjacentment with said sprocket xed to said shaft, a

chain carrying bits trained over said sprocket.

fixed to said shaft and 'said drive sprocket, means for driving said chain to rotate said shaft, means for moving said main frame forwardly to forcesaid wedges and said teeth and said bits against frame, the forward end of each of said housings being adapted to engage the material to be mined in path of said housings, a shaftjournaled in said housings, teeth extending from said shaft v the material to be mined, said wedges and said teeth and said bits being .adapted to provide. a kerf in the material to beV mined, said housings being adapted to enter said kerf and bear against l I '60 at least one Aside of said kerf for resisting the 7. `In a mining machine having a main frame,

reactive force exerted by said bits and said teeth. 11. In a mining machine having a'main frame, at least two housings extending from said main frame, a.`4 shaft journaled -in said housings,V a

wedge at forward end of'eachof said housings,

adjacent said housings, means for rotating said .be mined. said teeth being adapted to provide voids in the material to be mined adjacent said teeth extending from said shaft adjacent-said wedges, means for rotating saidvshaftand means for moving vs aid main frame forwardly to force said wedges and said teeth against the material i0 to be mined, -said teeth and said wedges being housings, said forward end of each of said housings being adapted to lcrowd the material to be adapted to provide a kerf in the material to` be mined, means-for disposing the material mined by said teeth and said wedges comprising a plate y extending-from said main frame to saidvteeth,- lmined in-path of said housings into said voids, said plate being adapted to enter `said vkerf to a carriage mounted for vertical swinging move` ment relative to said main frame, at least twohousings extending from said main frame, al

shaft journaled'in said housings, a Wedge at forward end of each of said housings, teeth extendl. ing from said shaft adjacent said wedges, means forvrotating said shaft and means for moving said main frame forwardly to forcefs'aidwedges and said teeth against the material to be mined, said teeth and said wedges being adapted to provide a kerf in the material to be mined, a plu'- rality ofwedge bars mounted on said carriage, means for `moving said carriage forwardly to drive said wedge b'ars into the material to vbe mined, means for disposing the material mined vby said teeth and said wedges, and meansfor disposing the material mined by said wedge bars above said kerf comprising a plate extending from said main frame to said teeth, topside of said housings and said plate providing a platform, said platform being adapted to enter said kerf, said wedge bars beingwadapted to break down the material to be mined over said platform onto said platform, a conveyor carried by said main frame in path of the material resting on said platform, said teeth and said wedges being adapted to provide a successive kerf, material to be mined adjacent said platform being adapted to provide backing for the material resting on said platform, said platformbeing adapted Vto enter said successive kerf, whereby the material resting on said platform is pushed onto `said conveyor.

13. In a mining machine having a main frame, a transverse shaft journaled at the forward end of said main frame, a wedge positioned in advance of said shaft, teeth extending from said shaft adjacent said wedge, means for `rotating said shaft, means for moving said main frame forwardly .to force said wedge and said teeth against the material to be mined, said teeth being adapted' to provide a kerf in the material to kbe mined, said wedge being adapted to penetrate the material to be mined, shoes at rear end of said main frame disposed laterally in opposite directions from said main frame, said shoes being adapted to bear against material not mined longitudinally of 'said main frame, wherebysaid shoes hold and guide said main frame in said kerf to maintain direction of penetrationby said vWedge inpath of the material to be mined.

14. In a mining machine having a main frame, a. carriage mounted for vertical swinging movement relative. to said main frame, a transverse shaft journaled at the forward end of said main frame, a wedge positioned in advance of said shaft, teeth extending fr om said shaft adjacentA said carriage', means for moving said carriage forwardlyV to drive said wedge bars into the material to be mined above'said kerf, shoes at rear end of said main frame disposed laterallyl in op posite directions from said main frame, 'said shoes being adapted` to bear against ,material not mined longitudinallyl of said main frame, Whereby s aid shoes hold and guide said main frame in said kerf to maintain direction of penetration by said wedge in the path of the material to be mined. 1

15. In a mining machine having a main frame, a transverse'shaft journaled at the forward-end of said main fram'e, a wedge positioned in advance of said shaft, teeth extendingfromisaid `shaft adjacent said wedge, means for rotating said shaft, means for moving "said nmain frame forwardly to force said wedge and said teeth ,against the material to be mined, said teeth being adapted to provide a kerf in the material to be mined, said Wedge being adapted to penetrate the material to be mined, means at rear end of said main frame for resisting lateral movement of rear end of said main frame, whereby direction of penetration by said wedge is maintained in path of the material to be mined.

l16. In la. mining machine having 'a main' frame, acarriage mounted for vertical swinging movement relative to said main frame, a transverse shaft journaled at thek forward end of said main frame, a wedge positioned in advance of said shaft, teeth extending from said shaft' adjacent said wedge, means for rotating said shaft, means for moving said main frame forwardly toforce said Wedge and said teeth against .the material to be mined, said teeth being vadapted to provide a kerf in the material to be mined, said wedge being adapted to penetrate the material to be mined, a plurality of ,Wedge bars mounted on said carriage, means for moving said carriage for- Wardly to drive said wedge-bars into the material to be mined above said kerf, means at'rear end vof said main frame for resisting lateral movement of. rear end of saidV main frame. Wherebysaid main frame is maintained in alignment `relative to the ldirection of penetration by said wedge in path of the material to be mined.

17. In a machine having a main frame," v a plurality of housings extending from said main frame, a journal box fixed to the 'forward end of each of said housings, a transverse rotatable' .shaft journaled in said journal boxes, a sprocket xed to said schaft, a drive sprocket positioned at rear of said sprocket fixed to said shaft, endless chain .cutters trained over said sprockets,l teeth extending from said shaft, means for moving said main frame forwardly to force the operative sections of saidendless chain cutters and said teeth against'the material to be mined, operative sections of said endless chain cutters and said teeth being adapted ,to provide a kerf/in the material to befmined, means for guiding said main frame forwardlyfrto extend .said kerf i in substantially the same horizontal planev `comprising a shoe projecting Afrom each of said hous.- y ings adapted to enter said 'kerf ,and bear against the under-side of the material undercut for re- V drive said wedge bars into the material to be -mined, said wedge bars being adapted to break down the material above said kerfwhereby an 'irregularface is formedat the opposite sides of .an outer side face being adapted to shear said irregular faces when said carriage is rocked means for moving said carriage forwardly 'to thereby providing clearance for advancing said machine, means for resisting thereactive force exerted rocking said carriage to cause said extreme wedge bars having an outer side face being adapted to shear said irregular faces comprising shoes disposed from said main frame adapted to bear against the underside of the material undercut and bottom lside of said kerf.

19. In a mining machine having a main frame,

; a carriage mounted for vertical swingingl move-l ment relative to saidA main frame, undercutting l irregular face is formed at the opposite sides of said machine, opposite ends of said wedge plate being adapted to, shear said irregular faces when said carriage is swung downwardly'thereby providing clearance for advancing said machine, means for resisting the upward reactive force exerted by the swinging of said carriage downwardly to cause the opposite ends of said wedge plate to shear said irregulargfaces comprising a shoe disposed from said main frame adapted to bear against-the underside of the material undercut.

20. In a mining machine having a main frame, a carriage mounted for vertical swinging movement relative to said main frame, undercutting means positioned at the forward end of said main frame adapted to be moved forwardly to transverse wedge plate consisting of a plurality of wedge bars mounted on said carriage, means for moving said carriage forwardly t'o\A drive said wedge plate into the material to be mined, said f wedge plate being adapted to break down the material above said kerf whereby an irregular adapted to 'provide a shroud over the material emerging from said undercutting means to `a. 'con-` veying mechanism in path of the material'emerging from under said plate. l l

' 22. In a mining vmachine having a mainframe, va platform `extending from said main frame, `rSa transverse rotatable shaft positioned at the forward endof said platform, teeth extending from said shaft, means for moving said main frame forwardly to force said teeth against the material to be mined, said teeth being adapted'to provide .a kerf in the material to be mined, means for disposing the material mined by said teeth comprising at least one shoe disposed from said platform adapted to enter said kerf and bear against the underside of the material undercut for resisting upward reactive force exerted by said teeth, whereby said platform is guided in saidl kerf to provide a shroud` overthe material emerging from said teethto a conveying mechanism in path of the material emergingfrom said teeth.

23. In a mining machine having a main frame,

' a carriage mounted for vertical swinging movement relative to said main frame, a platform extending from said main` frame, a transverse rotatable cutter bar positioned at the forward end of said platform, means for moving saidmain frame forwardly to force said cutter bar against the material to be mined, said cutter bar being adapted to provide a kerf in the material to be mined, said platform being adapted to enter said kerf, a plurality of wedge bars mounted on said carriage, means for` moving said carriage forwardly to drive said w'edge bars into Athe material to bemined, said wedgebars being adapted to breakdown the material over said platform orito said platform, material to be mined adja' lceritsaid'platform being adapted to provide backing for the material resting on said platform,

means projecting from said platform adapted to lprovide a kerf in the material to be mined, a '45 Aface is formed at the opposite sides of said machine, opposite e'nds of said wedge plate being adapted to shearsaid irregular faces when said carriage is swung upwardly thereby providing clearance for advancing said machine, means lfor resisting the reactivemforce exerted by the swinging of said carriage upwardly to cause the opposite ends of said wedge plate to shear vsaid irregular faces comprising a shoe disposed from` said main frame adaptedto enter said kerf and bear against the bottoml side of said kerf.

21. In a mining machine having a main frame,

a plate extending from said main frame, undercutting'means positioned at the forward end of down mechanism mounted on said main frame adaptedvto breakdown the material above said kerf onto ,said plate,J means for disposing the material resting on said plate, and'J means for dis- 5 posing the material mined by said undercutting means" simultaneously 4with the disposal of the material resting on said plate, said plate being bear against the underside of the material undercut and bottom side of said kerf for 'guiding said cutter bar to provide a successive kerf in' substantially the same plane as the preceding kerf,

whereby said platform enters the. successive kerf and cause the material resting on said platform, to be moved away-from the material mined by said wedge bars', and means for disposing the zmaterial mined by said cutter bar.

24. In a mining machine having a main frame,

a platform extending from said main frame, un-

over said platform onto said platform, material` whereby said platform enters the successive kerf and cause the material resting on saidplatform to be moved away from the material mined by y 1 said breaking down mechanism, and means for disposing the material mined by said undercutting means.

25: In a mining machine having a main frame, undercutting means positioned at the forward end of said main frame adapted to be moved forwardly' to provide a kerf in'the material to be mined, breaking down mechanism mounted on said main frame adapted to break down the material above said kerf, means disposed from said main frame adapted to bear against the underside of the material undercut and bottom side of" said kerf for guiding said undercutting means fori wardly to provide a successive kerf in substantially the same plane as the preceding kerf, whereby said breaking downmechanism is adapted to break down the material .above said preceding kerf simultaneously said undercutting means is cutting the successive kerf. i

` 26. In a mining machinehaving a main fram a carriage mounted for vertical swinging move ment relative to said main frame, undercutting means positioned "at the forward end of said main frame adapted to be moved forwardly to provide a kerf in the material to be mined, a plurality of wedge bars mounted on said carriage, means l for moving said carriage forwardly to drive said wedge bars into the material to be mined above said kerf, shoes disposed from saidV main frame adapted to bear against the underside of the material undercut and bottom side of said kerf l for guiding said undercutting means to provide successive kerfs in substantially the same plane, whereby the successive faces of the material to be mined above each successive kerf are maintained in same relation to the vertical swinging movement of said carriage.

2'7.` In a mining machine having a main frame, at Ieastone journal' box `positioned at the forward end of said'main frame, a rotatable shaft journaled in said journal box, a wedge at the for said Wedge, means for moving said main frame forwardly to force said wedge and said teeth against the material to be mined, said teeth being adapted to provide a kerf inthe material to be mined adjacent the opposite sides of said wedge, said wedge being adapted to crowd the material to be Imined in path of said journal box.into the kerf adjacent the opposite sides of said wedge Athereby providing a kerf-in path of said journal box.

28. In a, mming machine having'a main frame, y at least one journal box positioned at the forward end of said main frame, a rotatable shaft journaled in said journalbox, a wedge at the forward end of said journal box, teeth extending from said shaft adjacent the opposite sides of said wedge, means for moving said main frame Yforwardly to force said wedgel and said teeth against thematerial to be mined, said teeth being adapted to provide a kerf in the'material to be mined adjacent the opposite sides of said wedge', said wedge being adapted to crowd the material to be mined in lpath of said journal box into the kerf adjacent the opposite sides of said wedge thereby providing a kerf in path of said journal box, opposite lsides of said kerf in path of said journal box being adapted toprovide backing for guiding said journal box forwardly insubstrati;-A

tially` the same plane. v

29. In a mining machine having a'main frame,

at least one journal box positioned at the forward end of said main frame, a rotatable shaft providing a kerf in path of said journal box,

opposite sides of said kerf in path of said journal box being adapted to provide backing for guiding said journalpboxforwardly in substantiallythe same plane.

30. In amining machine having a main frame,

a transverse rotatable shaft having trunnions positioned at the forward'end of said main frame, a lfusingV intermediate said trunnions, teeth extending from said shaft adjacent said housing, said housing being adapted to house a portion of said shaft between'said teeth, a wedge at the forwardl end of vsaid housing, means for moving said main frame forwardly under pressure to force said Wedge and said teeth against the material to be mined to provide a kerf in the materialito be mined, said housing being adapted to bear against the underside of the material undercut and-'bottom side of said kerf for resisting reactive force exerted by-fsaid wedge and 'said teeth. i

31, In a--rnining machinehaving a main frame, a carriage'mounted for vertical swinging'movement relative-to said main frame, a transverse rotatable shaft having trunnions positioned at the forward end of said main frame, a housing wardend of said journal box, teeth extending from said shaft adjacent the opposite sides of intermediate said trunnions, teeth extending f rom said shaft adjacent said housing,` said housing being ladapted to house a portion of said shaft between said teeth, a wedge at the forward end of saidhousing; means for moving said main frame forwardly unde'r pressure to force said wedge and said teeth against the material'to be mined to provide a kerf in` the material to be mined, a plurality of wedge bars mounted on said carriage, meansfor moving said carriage forwardly under pressure to drive said wedge bars into the material to be mined above said kerf, said housing being adapted to bear against the' undersidefof the material 4undercut and bottom side of said kerf for resisting reactive force exerted by said wedge bars. f

3 2. In a mining machine having a main frame, a transverse rotatable shaft having trunnions positioned at the forward end of said main frame,

a housing intermediate said trunnions, teeth extending from said shaft adjacent said housing,

said housing being adapted to house a portion of said shaft between said teeth, a-wedge at the journaled in said journal box, teeth extending forward end of said housing, means for moving said main frame forwardly to force said wedge and said teeth against the 'material to be mined, said teeth being adapted to .provide a kerf in the material to be mined, said wedge being adapted to penetrate the material to be mined whereby the tapered sides of saidv wedge is backed by the material to b e mined for resisting lateral reactive force exerted by said teeth when said teeth i engage material of an uneven texture.

FREDERICK B'. mann. I 

